About
Pasar Genteng is a sprawling traditional night market in Surabaya, the capital of East Java, Indonesia. It is found on Jalan Genteng Besar, in the city's central part, and it is known above all for its street food vendors, local snacks and casual dining.
What a visit is like
The market is a place to eat rather than to shop for souvenirs. Stalls line the streets and offer affordable dishes and snacks, so a visitor can move from one vendor to the next and try a little of many things. Eating here is informal: you order at a stall, find a seat nearby and share the atmosphere with local diners.
Because the market is best known as a night market, the evening is the natural time to go. Come hungry and with an open mind, and allow time to wander rather than to follow a fixed route.
Why it is worth the trip
- It offers an authentic look at Surabayan culinary culture, served in everyday settings.
- The food stalls keep prices affordable, which suits a relaxed, unhurried meal.
- It is a good introduction to local snacks and street food for visitors new to the city.
Pasar Genteng suits travellers who enjoy eating as a way of understanding a place, and those who like the lively, informal feel of a night market. Visitors who prefer quiet, formal dining or a museum-style visit may find it less suited to their plans.
Getting the most from it
Surabaya offers many other things to see and eat, so Pasar Genteng pairs well with a broader day or evening of exploring the city. Because the market is spread out, it helps to arrive with a sense of what you would like to try and to take your time moving between stalls.